With the increasing use of smart home and smart devices in our everyday lives, the question on whether or not our lives are really private has been a long debate. Many people believe we are constantly being listened to or spied on, and wonder if the upgraded technology is worth it. That is a major concern but what many people do not think of is that this smart technology could save lives, or provide justice.
In 2015 after someone was found dead in their friends home the police saw an Amazon Echo. Due to the fact that this technology has access to the microphone in order to perform task, the police believed that there could be important dialogue stored; that could give more information on the case. After getting a search warrant they were able to go through the voice recordings from that night. It was never revealed if they found anything incrimnating from that night, but that is not the point. Having this smart technology can allow law enforcement to have another way to provide justice. So, would the little amounts of eavesdropping be worth it to you?
It is important to remember that law enforcement cannot get these records whenever they please, they have to go through a search warrant. As it said in the article if you do not do anything illegal in your house to being with than it doesn’t really matter if it is recording you, but for that rare instance it could save a life.
LIS 4022 Spring 2020 